P3 Training Program

Common Knife Holds and Uses P3 -Training Syllabus

In order to efficiently defend the different knife attacks, one should be able to recognize them. There are four main types of knife attacks…

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In order to efficiently defend the different knife attacks, one should be able to recognize them. There are four main types of knife attacks, the underhand, the overhand, the straight, and the slash. In the underhand knife attack, the blade is coming out from the side of the thumb. The attack is directed diagonally upwards into the victim’s body. Usually the attacker is holding the knife with the backhand. While the attacker is advancing, first the knife hand is going backwards, and then the thrust is going forward and upwards. This is the strongest knife attack one can deliver.

The overhand knife attack comes diagonally down. Usually attackers in all the stabs are attacking multiple attacks. The knife is from the side of the pinkie. Here, it’s like a hammer punch more or less. Straight knife stab, when the attacker is striking like a straight punch, the knife is positioned in the palm in a way that it will not slide backwards. The blade can be vertical or horizontal. The attacking hand could be the forward one or the back one. The last way of knife attack is the slash. Here, the knife is cutting from different angles, usually with a returning strike.

P3 Lecture/Theory I

A. Strikes

Low punches – to the body (attacking)
Striking combinations – learnt attacks to all angles, directions, heights and distances. Hitting targets and marking on a partner; including two attacks with the same hand

B. Kicks

As preparation for kicks while advancing: skipping (stomping) advances, back-crossing; front-crossing
All kicks from levels P1-P2, with the front and back leg:
1. In retreat
2. In place
3. Advancing - skipping; including forward and backward crossing (and proper stepping for slippery surfaces)

C. Outside "Stabbing" Defenses(from relevant stances, ready or passive)

Outside stabbing defenses no.s 1, 2 and 3.

Outside "Stabbing" Defenses From Ready or Passive Stances P3

D. Hand Defenses Against Regular (Front) Kicks

Against a kick to the groin:
1. Inside defense - using the palm heel; from a passive stance; when performing from a ready (outlet) stance, use only the front hand.
2. Outside scooping defense - from a passive stance (hands in an "x" position); when performing from a general ready stance, use only the back hand.
Against a high defensive kick forward or a high regular kick - inside forearm defense

Notes: Advanced training includes defending against a front kick and a follow-on straight strike; Techniques #1.1 and #2 combined together are effectively against a kick of unknown height.

E. Escaping Headlocks (Distance Timeline)

Side headlock
1. Distance Timeline – de-escalation, prevention, preemptive attack, avoid and escape
2. Attack to the groin; pull/push a sensitive point on the opponent's head.
Headlock from the rear:
1. Arm-bar to the front of throat (windpipe)
2. Pressure on the carotid artery
Low headlock from the front (guillotine)

F. Defending Against a Tackle, 'Shoot to the Legs' (or to the Lower Body)

Long distance – kick
Middle distance - stop with hands or strikes; punch or a knee strike
Short distance – forearm defense
Move backward and slam with both forearms (sprawl)
Defender is caught – stabilize; counterattack (neck; head; eyes; back's vulnerable points)

Defending Against a Tackle to the Legs or Lower Body P3

G. Dealing With Falls

Sideways break-fall
Forward roll - using the left shoulder (for right-handed students)
Backward roll - using the right shoulder (for right-handed students)
Fall backward, turn and soft break-fall forward
Forward high rolls - for distance and/or height

Note: For adults, this subject may be tested in full at higher levels (until G1).

H. Escaping Side Headlocks on the Ground

When both hands are under - pull sensitive points with both hands; roll sideways
When one hand is free - pull back sensitive point and wrap one leg around neck
When low attacker - Climb onto attacker; counter-attack

Escaping Side Headlocks on the Ground P3

I. Common Knife Holds and Uses (recognition and basic practice)

Overhand stab - regular / ice pick grip
Underhand - upward / Oriental grip
Straight stab
Slashing attack

P3 Lecture/Theory II

J. General Kick Defenses - Against All 4 Knife Attacks/Holds; Attacker Charging

Regular kick to solar plexus or chin
Sidekick to lower ribs or solar plexus
Bailing out and roundhouse kick to solar plexus (or groin)

Note: Attacker starts from a long-range position (over 2 meters).

General Kick Defenses Against All Four Knife Attacks and Holds P3

K. Use of Common Objects - Stick Type

Basic attacks – swings and stabs; five major directions
Basic defenses - 360º with the stick held in two hands; counter with leg or stick

L. Fighting Games, 4 Against 1

Attacking 1 Vs. 4 - as moving targets (opponents holding pads, try to close distance)
Using 360° attacks when the group of attackers have 2-3 knives (two attacks every 2 seconds)
Same as no. 2, unarmed attackers can strike straight.

M. Slow Fighting - Emphasis on Continuous Motion and Self-Control

Slow Fighting Emphasis on Continuous Motion and Self Control P3

N. Simulation and Tactics – P3 (Timeline from/on the Ground)

Picnic simulation: timeline from a sitting position - against a choke; against a strike

P3 Lecture/Theory III

Ground Fighting

Changing position – from cross-mount (low) to mount (high)
Applying an arm-bar from different positions
Applying a carotid artery restraint (headlock strangulation), from different positions